MediaTek good to Go

MediaTek today announced that it is a System-on-Chip (SoC) partner for Google’s Android Oreo (Go edition) software to smartphone makers.

MediaTek’s MT6739, MT6737, and MT6580 SoCs, among others, now have board support packages available to run Android Oreo (Go edition).

Google collaborated with MediaTek to ensure that Android Oreo (Go edition) works well on its line of processors, enabling a faster time-to-market mechanism for device manufacturers, and ensuring a quality Android smartphone experience that is both secure and affordable for devices with 512MB to 1GB of memory.

This marks one of the first times that entry-level SoCs are ready to be used shortly after the latest version of Android, in this case Android 8.1 Oreo, has been released to the Android Open Source Project.

With Android Oreo (Go edition), Google has optimised its OS platform, first party apps and the Google PlayStore to improve the capabilities of entry level devices. Limited processing power and storage are top pain points for entry-level device users.

Android Oreo (Go edition) was created to not only address these issues, but to also ensure that the devices are secure and that users have more control over data usage.

Android Oreo (Go edition) uses the Google Play Store ecosystem to deliver apps that run smoothly on low memory devices.

This improves the overall user experience with, and support for, devices that have 512MB to 1GB of memory, which results in significant bill of materials (BOM) cost savings.

These savings enable device makers to provide the 400 million users who buy entry-level smartphones every year, a better option.

Android & Google Play VP of Product Management Sameer Samat said:“Entry-level devices are the gateway to the internet for many people, and we want to make sure everyone has a great experience when they use these devices.

MediaTek’s Wireless Communication business General Manager TL Lee said that today’s announcement builds upon its existing work with Google, including its recent collaboration on Google’s GMS Express to speed up the certification process.

“With Android Oreo (Go edition), we are partnering with Google to tackle the performance challenges of lower memory phones, improving the user experience of entry level smartphones for consumers in key markets across India, the Middle East & Africa, Latin America and South East Asia.”

Android Oreo (Go edition) uses MediaTek’s turnkey references and chipsets that are designed specifically to reduce product development time and compliance testing.

A wide range of MediaTek SoC’s supports Android Oreo (Go edition), including the MT6739 and MT6737 for 4G devices, as well as the MT6580 for 3G devices. This gives device makers the range of capabilities they need to develop devices for specific price points and markets.

Android Oreo (Go edition) smartphones powered by MediaTek will be available in the worldwide market by Q1, 2018.